Michael Jackson Arrives In Bahrain `to Relax'

Michael Jackson arrives in Bahrain `to relax'

MANAMA, BAHRAIN: -- Pop star Michael Jackson began a vacation at a prince's palace in the tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, his first trip overseas after being acquitted of child molestation charges, an official close to the royal circle said yesterday.

Mr Jackson arrived with his three children on a private plane from Europe on Wednesday night for an indefinite stay, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because private visits involving the royal family are not authorised to be announced.

Mr Jackson was found not guilty of child molestation in a California court on June 13.

He chose Bahrain because of his brother Jermaine's first-hand experience visiting the kingdom, the official said.

``He's come here to retreat and relax and enjoy the calmness of Bahrain,'' the official said, adding that no other member of the Jackson family accompanied the pop star.

Another official who also spoke on condition of anonymity said Mr Jackson was a guest of Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the king's son, in one of the royal palaces. Sheikh Abdullah, believed to be in his early 30s, is a friend of Mr Jackson's brother Jermaine. He described the visit as ``very, very private''.

--AP 2005-07-01